St Johns River Houseboat

Question

Hi all,

We are looking at renting a house boat for 3-4 days in September to explore the St Johns River. At this stage we are looking at renting a boat at Holly Bluff Marina.

My questions are: Which direction would be best to start, how far could we travel in 3-4 days and where would be the best places to stop?

Are there are places to stop and visit towns to access restaurants, bars etc or side trips/tours, kayak/canoe hire etc? Or would we be spending the whole time on the river on the boat?

Best places to see Manatees or other wildlife at that time of year?

It will be two adults traveling and interested in history, food & bev, wildlife and small towns.

Thanks

Answer

Your St. Johns River houseboat adventure sounds amazing! The St. Johns River offers a mix of scenic beauty, wildlife, and small towns to explore, so you’re in for a great time. Here’s a breakdown of your questions:

Which direction to start?
Holly Bluff Marina is located along the St. Johns River in the northern part of the river system, near the town of Welaka. From here, you have two main directions to consider for your houseboat journey:

Southbound: Heading south towards Sanford is a popular route. This direction will take you through scenic stretches of the river, with fewer developed areas and more opportunities to see wildlife. You'll pass through small towns like Enterprise and DeBary, which are charming and may offer places to stop for restaurants and exploring.
Northbound: Heading north towards Jacksonville will take you into more rural areas with plenty of wilderness. The northern route is quieter and offers excellent wildlife sightings, including opportunities to see manatees, birds, and other river wildlife.

How far can you travel in 3-4 days?
With a 3-4 day window, you’ll be able to explore a significant portion of the river, but keep in mind that houseboats are relatively slow-moving, averaging around 5-7 miles per hour, depending on current and speed restrictions. A round-trip route or one-way direction with a return would make sense.

If you go south, a comfortable range would be around 20-30 miles, with ample time for stopping and enjoying small towns.
Heading north, you can explore the area around Green Cove Springs or even as far as Jacksonville (though it might be a bit ambitious to reach Jacksonville and back in 3-4 days). You’ll pass through wilderness and remote areas, with fewer towns, but more wildlife opportunities.

Best places to stop:
There are several interesting towns and stops along the St. Johns River, depending on the direction you choose:

Sanford (southbound): A historic town with charming streets, local restaurants, and bars. Sanford’s historic district is worth visiting, and you can find several restaurants along the riverfront, such as The Breezeway Restaurant or Shady Oak Grill.
Green Cove Springs (northbound): Known for its spring-fed hot springs and quaint downtown area. You can walk along the riverfront, visit local shops, and grab a bite to eat.
DeLand (southbound): A charming small town known for its historical architecture, including the famous Stetson Mansion, local coffee shops, and restaurants like The Half Wall and Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company.
Welaka (starting point): This small town is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. There are also some local restaurants and small businesses here for your starting point needs.

Access to restaurants, bars, kayak/canoe rentals:
While the river itself offers the opportunity to just relax on the boat, you can stop off in several towns along the way to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore the local area.

Restaurants: Many of the towns along the river offer riverside dining options or places where you can grab a meal in a local pub or casual restaurant. Don’t miss places like The St. Johns River Grill in DeLand or The Riverside Grill in Green Cove Springs.
Kayak and Canoe Rentals: Some towns along the river, including DeLand and Sanford, offer kayak and canoe rentals. You can arrange to stop and explore the area further with a short paddle along tributaries and canals of the river.
Small towns: Make sure to explore local historical sites and natural parks, especially in places like Sanford or Green Cove Springs, where you can find parks and nature trails for walking or hiking.

Best places to see Manatees or other wildlife:
The St. Johns River is famous for its wildlife, including manatees, otters, birds, and more. The best time to see manatees is usually in the winter months, but they can still be spotted during September, especially in areas where the river is calm and less disturbed. Here are a few tips for spotting them:

Welaka State Forest and Blue Spring State Park (southbound): These areas are known for manatee sightings, and you may encounter them as you travel through the more remote areas of the river.
Green Cove Springs (northbound): The more secluded, quieter areas north of Green Cove Springs are great for wildlife sightings, including birds and manatees. These areas are less visited by tourists, which increases your chances of seeing wildlife.
Shiloh Marsh Wildlife Management Area (southbound): This protected area is great for birdwatching, and you might also spot other river creatures like otters, turtles, and various waterfowl.

Conclusion:
For a relaxing and adventurous 3-4 day houseboat trip on the St. Johns River, both southbound and northbound routes offer plenty of opportunities to explore small towns, enjoy great food, and spot wildlife. You can spend time relaxing on the river, but also enjoy stopping at charming towns and nature spots. For those interested in history, food, and nature, this route offers a perfect balance.

Have an amazing trip, and enjoy the peaceful river experience!